Our Journey with the Buffalo Soldiers

About the Book

Our Journey with the Buffalo Soldiers is a compilation of historical research, travel adventures, family histories, and personal stories. African American military units were established in 1866 and these soldiers had much to prove. They earned the name “Buffalo Soldiers” from Indians who held their fighting spirit in high regard. Over the years, they served in all of the military conflicts - the Indian Wars, the Spanish-American War, World War I and World War II. Stories of racial prejudice are peppered throughout their history. During World War II, the Army mechanized their equipment and these units were disbanded. This journey focuses on the stories of World War II soldiers but a historical perspective is provided to lay the foundation for these stories. Information about Lt. Henry O. Flipper, the first African American graduate from the West Point Military Academy and other historical military figures are included. Each story is situated by its location and is part of the “journey.” The stories about the World War II soldiers are personal and touching. Some described how they were afraid of horses but learned to ride, clean and feed them. There are more stories about traveling by train across the US, living on a ship going across the Atlantic Ocean, experiencing a accident in a jeep during the European Theater, leaving the Army and joining the Air Force, and life events after World War II. Many men returned “home” and took advantage of the GI Bill or settled into stable government jobs. Photographs and interviews with Buffalo Soldiers who attended the reunions of the Buffalo Soldiers every July add a special touch. City by city and fort by fort – personal stories are connected to each location. From Thomasville, GA to Portland, OR the Buffalo Soldiers have many stories to share. On April 8, 2004 George Hicks III wrote - I get excited when I read stories about African American men who served in the U. S. Army as infantryman and cavalryman. These soldiers - Buffalo Soldiers - were my ancestors. I grew up in the 1950s-1960s, watching westerns movies, and I never saw black men riding horses nor as soldiers in the all-white U. S. cavalry regiments. Not until the 1980s when the stories of black soldiers were covered in the media did I revisit my childhood and ask questions. The Buffalo Soldiers were mistreated, issued inferior clothing and equipment, and received less compensation for their effort. They were assigned to military posts far from their families and the townspeople because the same people that they were to protect did not like the color of their skin. They endured the storms and I am so very proud of my black brothers. I have visited places where they served – Washington DC, California, Virginia, Arizona, Mexico, Washington, Oregon, and Kansas and lived in their hometowns. I interviewed troopers who served in the 9th, 10th, 27th, and 28th (Horse) Cavalry regiments. The landscape where they served even today looks rough, hot, and uncomfortable. If they could do what they did under those conditions servicing this country. Surely I can sit in the comforts of my home and write about what I discovered about my ancestors. I decided to tell what I am learning about these men and women. Yes, there was at least one documented female Buffalo Soldier - Cathy Williams. It feels good to write positive stories about us. Perhaps there are other positive stories that need to be written. If you discover a subject that inspires you, sit down and start writing for future generations. It is our history. When you know your past, you can better understand your present and prepare for the future. On June 22, 2004, Carmon Weaver Hicks wrote - George led most of the journey. When you read a section that starts with the pronoun “I,” the “I” is George. For many sections, the pronoun is “we.” We learned so much, worked so hard, and feel so good about our efforts. This journey has been George’s mission but you

About the Author

George Hicks III enjoys history and his wife, Carmon Weaver Hicks, has an interest in researching African American issues. Their combined efforts led them on a personal journey with World War II Buffalo Soldiers. They visit places where these soldiers lived and worked, conduct interviews with them and their descendants, offer educational programs, attend Buffalo Soldiers’ reunions, and collect stories from interested others. From1866 to 1944, the Buffalo Soldiers served on many fronts yet many of their stories have not been told.